He was a wealth of knowledge, a strong advocate for public service, and a great voice for public transit. He was a key participant in many heated debates, like myself. And through such debates, regardless of what side we were on, I developed an incredible amount of respect and admiration for this gentleman, this scholar.

It is with a heavy heart that I post my last message to our friend Paul "3rdRail" Joyce.

Wow, just came across the news on Twitter. How awful! Paul was a great asset to this forum and transit history in general. I know I will hold on dearly to the book he mailed me for winning a quiz once. I'm truly stunned to hear this news, and deeply saddened. I feel there is still so much more he could have shared with us. RIP Paul, you will be missed.

Well, damn. We lost a mighty fine man today. I think half of us in this forum have something from him - Paul was exceptionally generous with his quizzes. He'll be well missed; wherever he is, may the El always be arriving as he steps onto the platform.

RIP. He could be easily irritated by stupid questions from us newcomers, but he also was a fountain of information and history -- institutional knowledge is always important. I'm glad he shared so much of his knowledge here on this forum, and I wish I'd had the chance to meet him. RIP.

(Was he ill? It seemed like his presence here lately had been much reduced.)

Sgt Paul Joyce (3rdRail) was ga great historian who was up there withThe late George Sanborn on his vast knowledge of history. Paul won'tBe the same wih you. Eternal Rest be granted to your son Paul Joyce

Beyond being one of this forum's preeminent historians, he was without a doubt one of the nicest chaps around. He was a joy to read. Whether he was talking streetcar history or BPD or old-time Boston or rail miscellany he brought his subjects to life with humor and enthusiasm. It wasn't just information...he was painting vivid pictures of how an ever-chaotic city "worked" through the years. And that's rare.